This Iconic British Boot Got a Rugged New England Makeover

The newest Wallabee from Clarks and Bodega is inspired by New England’s sartorial history.

Published March 17, 2025

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Updated March 17, 2025

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The Clarks Wallabee is one of the most iconic boots ever designed, beloved by everyone from Brad Pitt to the Wu-Tang Clan.

Part of its mass appeal is how well the Wallabee transcends style genres. The British-born, moccasin-desert boot hybrid has spawned collaborations with brands ranging from Supreme to Moncler.

a patchwork boot on a desk — The Patchwork Wallabee 3.0 features tweed, duck canvas and aged leather.

One of the most unique and successful Wallabee collaborations has been an ongoing series with Boston-based streetwear brand Bodega. Beginning in 2022, the transatlantic partnership has revamped the casual boot with patchwork uppers featuring different materials and textures.

This time, Clarks and Bodega took inspiration from the fabrics associated with New England’s cultural history. The Patchwork Wallabee 3.0 “Northeast Corridor” is made from collegiate tweed, rugged duck canvas, and worn-in leather.

Hearty fabrics of the Northeast

Like a well-written play, the third act of the Bodega and Clarks collaboration references the first. The original Patchwork Wallabee’s contrasting patches included wide-walle corduroy and herringbone tweed.

two different pairs of patchwork clarks wallabee boots — Bodega’s first Patchwork Wallabee with tweed and corduroy on the right and second with different shades of indigo suede on the left.

The “Northeast Corridor” Wallabee uses houndstooth tweed in blue, orange, black and gray. Bodega explains that this fabric references New England’s many old and respected universities.

a pair of patchwork Clarks Wallabee boots laying on a desk — Bodega designed the Patchwork Wallabee 3.0 to blend New England heritage with the British classic.

Alongside the tweed is a faded blue-green duck canvas, a fabric with deep roots in the Northeast for outdoor activities and workwear. Completing the mosaic is an aged gray leather that ties in with the regional importance of leather footwear.

The panels are connected using overlap stitching, which appeared on the second Patchwork Wallabee and creates a rugged, hand-made appearance.

the heels of a pair of patchwork clarks wallabee boots — The stitched-together incongruous contrasting patches are inspired by traditional Irish Walking Hats.

Where the first two Patchwork Wallabees used uniform and geometric patterns, the “Northeast Corridor” is made from pieces of different shapes and sizes. This style is inspired by traditional Irish Walking Hats constructed from incongruous scraps of fabric discarded by tailors.

The sole of a Wallabee

Where it counts, this boot is true to the beloved Wallabee design. First designed in 1967, the Wallabee has an upper inspired by American moccasin and boat shoe, placed on a gum sole native to England.

a desk desk for shoes — Bodega used tweed from college campuses, duck canvas from workwear and an aged shoe leather.

The Patchwork Wallabee 3.0 has the signature tan gum sole that Clarks Desert Boots and Wallabees are known for.

Attached to the laces are the triangular fabric swatches, one marked with the Clarks logo and one with the Bodega log, that has become an iconic part of the Wallabee design.

Where this design varies from most Wallabees is the use of a panel around the base of the upper that is commonly found in New England-style camp mocs and moc boots.

a pair of patchwork clarks wallabee boots — This is the third collaboration between Bodega and Clarks.

Another reference to New England’s shoemaking heritage is the addition of an ankle cinch, which is commonly found on boat shoes.

Bodega has doubled down on the historical sartorial traditions that inspired the original Wallabee design over half a century ago. By incorporating tweed, duck canvas and more moccasin features, the Boston-based brand has claimed the iconic British boot for New England.

Availability and pricing

The Bodega x Clarks Patchwork Wallabee 3.0 “Northeast Corridor” will be available at noon on March 27th from Bodega and Clarks for $170.

This unique design runs a bit larger than traditional Wallabees. As such, Bedega recommends ordering a half-size smaller than you typically wear in Clarks.